Poblats Marítims is the easternmost district in Valencia, directly in front of the sea, beaches and harbours of the city. The districts comprise five neighbourhoods and the industrial port area.

This is a district of contrasts, where extremely luxurious hotels, resorts, and residential complexes coexist with working-class neighbourhoods, just a few streets away. The latter evolved from small fishermen’s villages and still present their peculiar architecture, with picturesque and colourful small houses.

Once again, the main attractions in this part of Valencia are the streets and the houses themselves, along with the beaches and some well-known venues.

We highly recommend walking around the neighbourhoods to really take them in and appreciate the district’s charm, but getting here from the city on foot is not for everyone.

In terms of public transport, the most popular options are trams and buses, which offer a great number of lines in the area. Other options can be biking, taking an electric scooter, or even a taxi.

El Cabanyal

El Cabanyal-El Canyamelar is a mostly residential neighbourhood, famous for its quiet pedestrian streets, picturesque and colourful houses, and casual bars and cafes. The main attraction here is the dream-like atmosphere and charm.

The architecture of the neighbourhood is considered by many a perfect showcase of popular Modernism. Its characteristics are an eclectic taste, with low and narrow houses decorated with colourful tiles and whimsical sculptures.

To see this peculiar style, we recommend some streets in particular:

• Calle de la Reina
• Calle Barraca
• Calle José Benlliure
• Calle Escalante

While on the one hand the neighbourhood’s popularity is well deserved, the fascination affluent expats have with this area has unfortunately started a process of gentrification of the neighbourhood.

Nonetheless, for the time being, Cabanyal remains a less commercial area where you can still see the pulse of Valencia and its people.

The most important sights and attractions in this neighbourhood are:

• Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal
• Mercabanyal
• Museu de l’Arròs
• LaFábricade Hielo

If you’d like to find out more about this neighbourhood, you can check out our article about El Cabanyal.

Beaches

We have grouped Valencia’s beaches here even though, officially, they are not considered separate areas. On paper, they are all part of different neighbourhoods of the Poblats Marítims district.

Valencia enjoys about 7 km (more than 4 miles) of continuous, broad, golden beaches. The sand is kept clean and the spaciousness makes it so that the beaches never feel crowded, even in high season. Valencia’s excellent weather allows visitors to enjoy this part of the city almost year-round.

The residential buildings, hotels, and hospitality venues immediately adjacent to the beach and sea are much more upscale and luxurious than the surrounding neighbourhoods. Here, you’ll find trendy beach cafes, cocktail bars, and renowned restaurants, like El Coso and La Pepica.

Valencia’s beaches are:

• Platja del Cabanyal
• Playa de la Malvarrosa
• Playa de Las Arenas (or Platja de Llevant)
• Playa Patacona

If you’d like to find out more about the beaches in Valencia, you can check out our article.

La Marina

La Marina de Valencia, also known as La Marina Real Juan Carlos I is another popular maritime area of Valencia.

It is not precisely defined by the city’s administration, but it is recognised by locals as an unofficial neighbourhood. This area is located roughly between Las Arenas Beach and Valencia’s commercial port.

La Marina is a modern area where nautical clubs, gastronomy, exclusive clubs, and business enterprises come together. This seaside neighbourhood is home to long promenades for walking, spaces for cycling, nautical activities, and water sports, as well as renowned food venues serving local cuisine.

Some of the most well-known venues are the Veles e Vents and the Marina Beach Club. Veles e Vents is a cultural building hosting all sorts of events, including exhibitions, live music and dance, theatre, and conferences. Meanwhile, the Marina Beach Club is an exclusive sea-side club.